Winners and Losers from the 2026 NFL Free Agency
The NFL free agency period is always a rollercoaster, and this year is no exception. With some jaw-dropping contracts and a few head-scratchers, let's dive into the biggest winners and losers so far.
Winner: Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Carolina Panthers
Jaelan Phillips is cashing in big time. After stints with the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles in 2025, Phillips has landed a lucrative deal with the Carolina Panthers.
While he's been a solid player, this contract elevates him to one of the highest-paid pass-rushers in the league. It's a classic case of a team possibly overpaying in free agency, but for Phillips, it's a dream scenario.
He's likely worth closer to $20 million annually, placing him in the third tier of pass rushers. But hey, when opportunity knocks, you answer.
Loser: Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos
Things are looking rough for Bo Nix in Denver. The Broncos have been stagnant in free agency, failing to make any significant upgrades.
With key departures like John Franklin-Myers and Dre Greenlaw, the team seems to be moving backward. The offense desperately needed reinforcements at all skill positions, but so far, nothing.
Unless a major trade materializes, Nix might be facing another season with a lackluster supporting cast. It's not the ideal situation for the young quarterback.
Winner: Daniel Jones, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Daniel Jones is laughing all the way to the bank. Despite recovering from a torn Achilles, the Indianapolis Colts have handed him a massive contract.
The Colts were in a tough spot, and Jones' camp knew it. They leveraged that situation to secure a deal that could be worth up to $100 million over two years.
It's a risky move for the Colts, given the severity of his injury, but Jones managed to maximize his value in a challenging market.
Loser: Maxx Crosby, EDGE, Las Vegas Raiders
Maxx Crosby's situation is a bit of a saga. He was on the verge of joining the Baltimore Ravens, but that deal fell through.
Now, he's back with the Las Vegas Raiders, a team he's clearly ready to move on from. While a future trade isn't off the table, the Raiders won't likely get the two first-round picks they were hoping for.
Crosby's tenure with the Raiders has been marred by losses, and it's uncertain if that trend will change. For now, he's stuck in a holding pattern, waiting for a new chapter.